b'Jaap Mazereeuw: From Young Breeder to Seed VisionaryEnza Zadens CEO on growing up in the seed sector and leading a global company.By Aimee Nielson and Marcel BruinsJAAP MAZEREEUW,CEO of Enza Zaden and chair-man of the World Seed Congress National Organizing Committee (NOC) recently led the Netherlands efforts hosting the International Seed Federation (ISF) Congress in Rotterdam. The meeting was a commemoration of history and a showcase of the seed industrys pivotal role in food security and sustain-ability. His lifelong passion for horticulture, the evolution of Enza Zaden and the detailed preparations behind organizing such a monumental event were on display.From a Young Breeder to Seed VisionaryJaap Mazereeuws journey into the seed industry began in a garden, where, as a 10-year-old boy, he cultivated and sold vegetables. I had a small garden at the back of Enza Zaden, he remi-nisces I grew my own vegetables and sold them in the neigh-borhood. After school, I used to cycle past the greengrocers to write down the prices, always ensuring my buyers that my price was competitive.His professional path led him to Trkiye at the age of 24, where he spearheaded local breeding programs for melon, zucchini and eggplant. This move marked the beginning of what became a global expansion for Enza Zaden, establish-ing their second research and development station outside the Netherlands. Mazereeuws international experience laid the groundwork for his eventual leadership role in the company. 28/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEPTEMBER 2024'